Chevy Nova 13b-re Engine Swap
04-01-2007, 06:47 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 32
Just wanted to get everyones opinion on a project I am working on.
Specs are as follows.
1974 Nova
Engine
13b-re Engine
2/3 Bridgeport
GT40R Turbo
FMIC
Exhaust
Custom schedule-10 SS Exhaust Manifold
Tial 44 mm Wastegate
3.5" SS Downpipe
3.5" Aluminum Exhaust
Burns Lightweight SS Muffler
Wheels/Tires
2" Rear Mini-Tub
Budnik Gasser Wheels
Front - 18 x 7 (235/40/18 BFG KDW)
Rear - 18 x 11 (315/30/18 BFG Drag Radial)
Drivetrain
Turbo II Transmission
Aluminum Driveshaft
12 Bolt w/ 33 Spline Gun-Drilled Axles
4.88 Gears
Suspension/Chassis
Chris Alston Front Clip
Front Coilovers
Custom Traingulated 4-link
Rear Coilovers
Subframe Connectors
And the list goes on....
We went to great lengths to make sure the car was light enough for a rotary. Curb weight should check in around 2700 lbs. Car is currently being painted Chrome Orange with Pearl Diamond SS stripes. We've previously built a '69 Corvette, '87 Grand National, 900 HP Pro Street 85 Chevy Truck, '05 SRT Neon, 700 HP '98 Dodge Ram, '67 Mustang Fastback, and a '04 Nitroused Chevy Silverado. Got tired of doing the same old thing.
Whadda ya think?
Specs are as follows.
1974 Nova
Engine
13b-re Engine
2/3 Bridgeport
GT40R Turbo
FMIC
Exhaust
Custom schedule-10 SS Exhaust Manifold
Tial 44 mm Wastegate
3.5" SS Downpipe
3.5" Aluminum Exhaust
Burns Lightweight SS Muffler
Wheels/Tires
2" Rear Mini-Tub
Budnik Gasser Wheels
Front - 18 x 7 (235/40/18 BFG KDW)
Rear - 18 x 11 (315/30/18 BFG Drag Radial)
Drivetrain
Turbo II Transmission
Aluminum Driveshaft
12 Bolt w/ 33 Spline Gun-Drilled Axles
4.88 Gears
Suspension/Chassis
Chris Alston Front Clip
Front Coilovers
Custom Traingulated 4-link
Rear Coilovers
Subframe Connectors
And the list goes on....
We went to great lengths to make sure the car was light enough for a rotary. Curb weight should check in around 2700 lbs. Car is currently being painted Chrome Orange with Pearl Diamond SS stripes. We've previously built a '69 Corvette, '87 Grand National, 900 HP Pro Street 85 Chevy Truck, '05 SRT Neon, 700 HP '98 Dodge Ram, '67 Mustang Fastback, and a '04 Nitroused Chevy Silverado. Got tired of doing the same old thing.
Whadda ya think?
04-01-2007, 11:47 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 148
i hate to say this but i would have stayed with the V8 on that one b/c lead slead and small motor u might not get that much out of it as in speed wise b/c of the weight. but i could be wrong so keep us posted on how it goes and runs ok lata.
P.S 20B might have been better lol
P.S 20B might have been better lol
04-02-2007, 02:09 AM
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 32
Originally Posted by ZeroRX7' post='866222' date='Apr 1 2007, 11:47 PM
i hate to say this but i would have stayed with the V8 on that one b/c lead slead and small motor u might not get that much out of it as in speed wise b/c of the weight. but i could be wrong so keep us posted on how it goes and runs ok lata.
P.S 20B might have been better lol
Thanks for the thoughts. The thing weighs 100 lbs less than an FD, so the weight shouldn't be an issue. What fun would a v8 have been? Would have been the same as a million other novas out there! You can only build so many BBCs before ot starts to get a little boring. 20b would have been a little tougher to fit. Would have had to raise the tranny tunnel a couple of inches. Would have hit the rack and pinion otherwise.
04-02-2007, 07:40 AM
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: VA
Posts: 2,532
Nice. Interesting idea.
I'm currently working on a '66 Nova, but elected to stay with a SBC.
I think you'll be alright with the rotary. The early Nova's are lighter than most people realize.
Personally, I think the benefits of going bridgeport with a capable turbo are dubious, at best. A mild streetport and an extra pound of boost will get you to the same number, with the likely benefit of improved durability.
I'm currently working on a '66 Nova, but elected to stay with a SBC.
I think you'll be alright with the rotary. The early Nova's are lighter than most people realize.
Personally, I think the benefits of going bridgeport with a capable turbo are dubious, at best. A mild streetport and an extra pound of boost will get you to the same number, with the likely benefit of improved durability.
04-02-2007, 10:27 AM
#6
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 32
Originally Posted by 1988RedT2' post='866244' date='Apr 2 2007, 07:40 AM
Nice. Interesting idea.
I'm currently working on a '66 Nova, but elected to stay with a SBC.
I think you'll be alright with the rotary. The early Nova's are lighter than most people realize.
Personally, I think the benefits of going bridgeport with a capable turbo are dubious, at best. A mild streetport and an extra pound of boost will get you to the same number, with the likely benefit of improved durability.
Heard the same thing about the bridgeport from a couple of other folks. I'll talk it over with Adam from rx7specialties before he begins porting. Thanks!
04-02-2007, 06:06 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 32
Originally Posted by Il RX8 lI' post='866267' date='Apr 2 2007, 10:51 AM
I like it. Don't let naysayers get to you, it's your car to do with what you want.
Thanks. I realize it's not everyones cup of tea. Some people love it, and some people hate it. It's gonna definitely turn some heads with pro-touring muscle car styling, a brap, brap, brap idle, gilmer belt whining, turbo screaming, and bov poping! It's gonna be the weirdest sounding nova ever!
